Asia Daily: April 2, 2024
News
Ex-Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou starts ‘journey of peace’ in mainland China. Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou embarked on an 11-day visit to mainland China, aimed at fostering peace amidst heightened cross-strait tensions. The trip, marking Ma's second in a year, could include a meeting with President Xi Jinping. Ma's journey reflects efforts to promote youth exchanges and mutual understanding between Taiwan and China. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, April 1
LDP eyes punishing members over scandal, leaves out Kishida. The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan plans to discipline 39 members involved in a political funds scandal, notably excluding Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. This move aims to address issues related to unreported fundraising party revenue. The ethics committee is expected to convene soon to finalize the punishments, which could range up to advising some members to leave the party. This decision is part of the LDP's efforts to maintain accountability amidst ongoing scrutiny. Kyodo News, April 1
China urges Europe to continue supporting free trade as French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné visits Beijing. During Stéphane Séjourné's visit, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi advocated for Europe's support of free trade with China, amid concerns over European "de-risking" strategies. Séjourné emphasized France's desire for China to convey a clear stance on the Ukraine conflict, highlighting the importance of international law and security. Liu Zhen, South China Morning Post, April 1
Central Asian air quality gets low marks – report. Central Asia faces significant air pollution challenges, as highlighted by the 2023 World Air Quality Report. Countries like Tajikistan are experiencing high levels of PM2.5 particles, indicating some of the worst air quality globally. This situation raises major health concerns and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive environmental strategies within the region to tackle air pollution effectively. Eurasianet, April 1
S. Korea detects no signs of preparations in N. Korea for military parade. South Korea's military has observed no signs that North Korea is preparing for a military parade, despite upcoming major holidays. The statement contradicts earlier speculations based on satellite imagery. North Korea's significant dates in April, including the founder's birthday and the army's founding anniversary, typically prompt such events, but none appear imminent this year. Additionally, South Korea and the US continue to monitor North Korea's satellite launch activities closely. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, April 1
China willing to work with Indonesia to ‘run historic relay race well’, Xi tells Prabowo. Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed a commitment to deepen strategic cooperation with Indonesia during Indonesian president-elect Prabowo Subianto's visit to Beijing. Xi emphasized building a community with a shared future, highlighting the role of both nations as major developing countries. The discussions aimed at promoting an equal multipolar world and safeguarding the interests of developing economies. Dewey Sim, South China Morning Post, April 1
Vietnamese Party delegation pays working visit to Japan. A delegation from the Communist Party of Vietnam, led by Trương Thị Mai, visited Japan to strengthen the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World." The visit involved meetings with Japanese political leaders to discuss enhancing bilateral relations, including political, economic, and cultural exchanges. The delegation's activities aim to reinforce the strategic cooperation between Vietnam and Japan. Vietnam News, April 1
North Korea possibly fires ballistic missile, no damage reported. North Korea has potentially escalated regional tensions by launching a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, according to Japan's government. While the missile is believed to have fallen outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, the event underscores ongoing concerns regarding North Korea's missile capabilities and intentions. The Japanese Defense Ministry confirmed no damages were reported to aircraft or vessels. Kyodo News, April 1
Marcos boosts maritime security. In a significant move to address regional security challenges, the Philippines, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is ramping up its maritime security measures in response to Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea. This development is part of an assertive stance by the Philippines in safeguarding its waters amid ongoing tensions with China. Kristina Maralit, Francisco Tuyay, and Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, April 1
Yoon calls for unified proposal on med school admissions increase. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has urged the medical community to propose a unified stance on increasing medical school admissions, suggesting a minimum hike of 2,000 as the government remains open for dialogue. Amid a standoff over admissions quotas, Yoon's remarks come ahead of the April 10 general elections, stressing the need for a scientifically based proposal rather than collective action. The government's initiative aims to address the nation's medical service needs amid an aging population. Kim Boram, Yonhap News Agency, April 1
Thailand, Laos, China in Talks for New Aviation Routes to Handle Surge in Flights. Thailand, Laos, and China are discussing new aviation routes to manage an expected increase of 100,000 flights. This collaboration, revealed by Aerothai's President, aims to ease congestion and enhance safety standards in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization. These routes, planned for early 2026, will connect major cities across these countries, reflecting the growing aviation demand and Thailand's ambition to become a regional hub. Chono Lapuekou, The Laotian Times, April 1
Foreign commerce falls by more than 11 percent. Myanmar's international trade has experienced a significant downturn, with a reported 11 percent decrease in the 2023-2024 financial year compared to the previous year. This decline is attributed to violent conflicts disrupting land trade routes and new trade license restrictions, affecting both land and maritime trading activities. The total trade value dropped to US $28.8 billion from US $32.6 billion, reflecting the compounded challenges of conflict and regulatory changes on Myanmar's foreign commerce. Aung Naing, Myanmar Now, April 1
Pakistan court suspends Imran Khan’s prison sentence in state gifts case. In a significant legal turn, Pakistan's Islamabad High Court has suspended the prison sentences of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, related to the illegal selling of state gifts. This suspension remains until further decisions post-Eid holidays. The case, which has made Khan ineligible for public office for a decade, is one of many ongoing political and legal battles for the former PM. Abid Hussain, Al Jazeera, April 1
Commonwealth Secretary-General arrives in Tonga. Patricia Scotland, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, has commenced her inaugural visit to Tonga, leading discussions on future initiatives and addressing key regional challenges such as climate change, maritime security, and national debt. In meetings with Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, they explored issues affecting Tonga and other small island nations. Scotland emphasized the Commonwealth's commitment to supporting its member states in the Pacific, particularly in combating climate change's impacts. PINA, April 1
Long Form
On Fentanyl, Biden Should Look to Work With China. The fentanyl crisis has emerged as a pivotal issue in the United States, with a significant portion of Americans prioritizing the reduction of illegal drugs availability. Despite the misconception, the direct supply of fentanyl from China to the U.S. has notably decreased. However, China remains a critical source of precursor chemicals, necessitating cooperation between the two nations to address this aspect of the fentanyl epidemic effectively. The U.S. has taken legal actions against Chinese entities involved in the supply chain, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts to combat the illicit trade. Both governments possess the infrastructure for anti-drug cooperation, highlighting the potential for joint initiatives to significantly impact the illicit fentanyl trade. Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Council on Foreign Relations, April 1
Is BRICS offering an alternative model for global governance? The expansion of BRICS to include new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates raises questions about its potential to offer an alternative to Western-led global governance. While BRICS seeks a more multipolar and democratic order, its efforts towards de-dollarisation and the establishment of institutions like the New Development Bank suggest moves towards an alternative system. However, the group's success in becoming a transformative force for the Global South hinges on its ability to provide tangible benefits and development funding. BRICS' relationship with existing global systems and its role as a voice for the Global South remains a delicate balance between reforming from within and establishing new paradigms. The future of BRICS as a coalition and its impact on global governance will depend on its ability to align its digital and financial inclusion efforts with broader development goals. Mihaela Papa, East Asia Forum, April 2
Is Singapore Unfriending Israel? Singapore recently expressed strong disapproval of a Facebook post by the Israeli embassy, marking a rare public confrontation. The contentious post, shared during Ramadan, claimed the Quran mentions Israel but not Palestine, a statement Singapore deemed "completely unacceptable." This incident raises questions about the diplomatic relationship between Singapore and Israel, historically characterized by cooperation, especially in defense and technology. The public denouncement of the embassy's message suggests a potentially shifting stance by Singapore, reflecting the delicate balance the city-state maintains in its foreign relations within a geopolitically complex region. Sribala Subramanian, The Diplomat, April 2
South Korea's working class unmoved by election campaign 'lip service'. In Seoul, the daily commute of cleaners and security guards on bus No. 8146 from a working-class area to the affluent Gangnam district symbolizes the stark contrast in living conditions and the dissatisfaction with political promises. Despite minor improvements, like an earlier bus schedule, workers like 65-year-old cleaner Jung Soon-ja face growing struggles with inflation and stagnant wages. Upcoming legislative elections bring promises from both major political parties to address living costs and social welfare, yet these pledges often seem like mere populism without substantial plans for funding or long-term reforms. President Yoon Suk Yeol's focus on foreign policy and economic visions has yet to translate into significant domestic economic growth or improvements in the lives of the working class. The disconnect between political rhetoric and tangible change leaves many skeptical about the impact of election outcomes on their daily lives. Steven Borowiec, Nikkei Asia, April 2
Australia's China policy more effective with disciplined messaging. The debate over Australia's stance towards China has intensified following the visit of Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Wang Yi to Canberra. This event underscores the nuanced diplomatic balance Australia seeks to maintain with China, amid discussions on whether its approach has become too conciliatory. The argument posited is that for Australia's China policy to be truly effective, there must be a strategic and disciplined use of its spectrum of information capabilities. Such an approach would enable Australia to navigate the complex relationship with China more adeptly, addressing both the opportunities and challenges it presents. This perspective suggests that careful messaging and strategic communication are key to reinforcing Australia’s national interests while engaging with China. Ben Scott, Nikkei Asia, April 2
Biden Statement On Nippon Steel Does Not Preclude Merger. President Biden's public opposition to Nippon Steel's acquisition of US Steel has sparked considerable discussion, suggesting it's a move to garner political support amid election pressures. However, this stance does not definitively block the merger. In-depth negotiations between Nippon Steel and the United Steelworkers (USW) union continue, focusing on meeting the union's conditions for approval. Despite Biden's statement, the possibility of an agreement remains open, which could lead to government approval of the merger.
, April 1